FAQs

Below is a list of common questions related to summer and fall semester 2021. The health and safety of our students, faculty and staff is our top priority. Continue to check this page for updates.

NOTE: Beginning May 7 with the end of spring semester, primary health services are not available for students, faculty or staff. For all emergencies, please contact 911. If you are not experiencing a medical emergency but have signs or symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, fever, shortness of breath, loss of taste/smell), see our Healthy & Safety section for testing and medical resources near campus.

Look for fall plan updates by August 2, 2021. These are being developed in accordance with governor's orders and guidance from the American College Health Association, the Virginia Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Vaccination Summer Admissions Lancaster Employees

Harrisonburg Campus Fall Semester 2021 Updates

We are in the process of finalizing plans for the next academic year. These FAQs will be updated to reflect those policies and procedures soon.

What are EMU's plans for fall semester 2021?
This information was shared in a 4/26 email to the campus community:

We are already preparing for fall campus plans that thankfully will look very different from this year. We are excited to announce a return to a vibrant campus life. It can’t come soon enough! Given declining trends of the pandemic, advances in vaccine distribution, and careful assessments of preparedness on college campuses in the Commonwealth, EMU is pleased to share with you the following changes for next year:
- Key Change: We intend a full return to pre-pandemic normal at Eastern Mennonite University, beginning Fall 2021.
- Classes: We will conduct classes in the delivery mode they were accustomed to being offered before the pandemic. That means most undergraduate course offerings will return to in-person instruction only. Some courses, including some graduate and certificate programs, will continue to be offered in the online or hybrid format.
- Residence Life: We are planning for a fully residential year for students, anticipating shared rooms to encourage more “normal” community building.
- Health Protocols: We will follow all health guidelines and ordinances from the Governor’s Office and VDH/CDC for how our classrooms need to be situated and whether or not we need to leave space between seats or wear masks or observe other hygiene measures.
- Extra-curriculars: We intend a full return to extra-curricular activities, including athletics, fine arts events, service opportunities, and other student life programming. We also intend to go forward with many cross-cultural offerings, depending on country, region or state of origin and the ongoing pandemic protocols in these locales.
- Vaccinations: [see below]
What is EMU's policy about COVID-19 vaccinations for students?

Notification of vaccination status will be required though EMU Health Services prior to the start of fall 2021 classes. Note that some services and activities may be unavailable to unvaccinated students.

Copies of vaccination cards to update your EMU health record can be emailed to covidhotline@emu.edu or https://emu.medicatconnect. com/.

To locate vaccine availability where you live, follow this link to a CDC webpage that searches by zipcode.

Pending availability, we hope to provide vaccination opportunities for those who have not yet been vaccinated. We continue in direct partnership with VDH to support our community health. Visit the CDC website for information about vaccines.

EMU EMPLOYEES, please see more information in the Employee section.

Updated 5/27/2021
What is the plan for classroom instruction in the fall?
We will conduct classes in the delivery mode in which they were offered before the pandemic. We will NOT be offering hy-flex for traditional undergraduate classes on the Harrisonburg campus. That means most undergraduate course offerings will return to in-person instruction only.
Updated 5/12/21
How do I stay informed about plans for fall 2021?

Students can continue to check email through the summer for information about housing, return plans and any health protocols. Student Life IG is another way to also stay connected. Follow now: @emustudentlife. This website is also updated frequently and will remain a resource.

Other members of the EMU community should also check email and/or this website regularly.

Updated 4/29/21

Vaccination Information for Harrisonburg Students

For more information on why we are requiring vaccination and what resources are available to you visit emu.edu/coronavirus/vaccination

How do I get a vaccine?

To locate vaccine availability where you live, follow this link to a CDC webpage that searches by zipcode.

If you live in Virginia, the Virginia Department of Health has a website to register for vaccination.
How do I share my vaccination status with EMU?

Notification of vaccination status will be required through EMU Health Services by August 2.

Copies of vaccination cards to update your EMU health record can be emailed to covidhotline@emu.edu or https://emu.medicatconnect. com/.
When do I need to be vaccinated by?

Students who will attend in-person classes on the Harrisonburg campus must share your proof of vaccination by August 2. To be considered fully vaccinated you will need to obtain your second Pfizer or Moderna vaccination or your shot of the J&J vaccine at least two weeks prior to coming to campus.
What happens if a residential student misses the vaccination deadline or is not completely vaccinated by the time he/she moves onto campus?

You will need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result within 48 hours of entering campus.

If you intend to get vaccinated, we will help you find a vaccination clinic.
If I choose not to get the vaccine, can I still live on campus?

You must fill out a waiver and provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result within 48 hours of entering campus.
Will I need to be vaccinated in order to participate in athletics?

Athletes will either need to be vaccinated or will be required to participate in regular testing for COVID-19.

In the event of an outbreak of COVID-19 or exposure to COVID-19, isolation and quarantine protocol will be in place for athletes who are not vaccinated.
Who will see my vaccination status?

Your vaccination information will be a part of your electronic medical record in Health Services and will only be made available to those you have given permission to have access to your medical record.
I already had COVID-19. Do I still need to be vaccinated?

Studies have shown that you do develop immunity after having had COVID-19 but the degree of immunity varies from person to person. To ensure adequate protection, obtaining the COVID-19 vaccination is still recommended by the CDC.
How do I get a waiver for vaccinations?

If you choose to obtain an exemption, a waiver is required.

Here is the link to our waiver form and instructions: https://emu.edu/studentlife/health/docs/vaccine-waiver.pdf
What happens if a residential student gets sick during the fall semester with COVID?

EMU will provide isolation space for residential students and provide the services those students need for your 10-day isolation period.
What happens if I am exposed to COVID-19 during the semester?

For vaccinated students exposure to COVID-19 does not require quarantine unless you become symptomatic. For unvaccinated students, exposure to COVID-19 will require quarantine.
What is your policy about rooming with an unvaccinated person?

We are working out details of housing for 2021-22 and plan to have an answer to this question soon.
If I don’t get the vaccine, are there certain programs I can’t participate in?

Showing a proof of vaccination may be a requirement to participate in off-campus experiences such as practica, internships, and mentorships. In some cases, these experiences are required by pre-professional programs (for example, nursing, social work and education all require interaction with external partners at off-campus sites).

Some cross-cultural programs must conform to international travel and in-country restrictions, which now include vaccination for COVID-19 in addition to other required or recommended vaccinations and immunizations.

We plan to work with each individual student.
What if the CDC determines booster shots are needed? What is your requirement?

If it is determined that a booster is required, EMU Health Services will work with the local public health department to make those boosters available to the EMU community.

Summer 2021

What are EMU's current policies on campus events and gatherings?

University activities such as class and department-sponsored events will adhere to classroom occupancies with existing cleaning and distancing measures.

The updated events policy, housed on the Auxiliary Services webpage, clarifies current restrictions on events. We continue to limit indoor events to only EMU students and employees, with room occupancy maximums enforced and no food/refreshments. Outdoor events may include guests and catered food through Pioneer College Catering, but require appropriate staffing, distanced seating and provision of outdoor restrooms. All events beyond informal gatherings must be sponsored by an EMU employee. Your event may require a proposal to be submitted by an EMU sponsor for approval by the Crisis Management Preparedness Team. That proposal asks for consideration of the factors involved in hosting a safe event at this time.

Updated 5/10/2021
What is EMU’s current policy regarding masking?
Based upon the recommendations for fully vaccinated people made by the CDC on May 13, and Executive Order 79 from Governor Northam, EMU is moving forward to accept the following masking policy on campus starting Tuesday, June 1, for summer 2021:
- Fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting, indoor or outdoor, on the EMU campus except where required by the department or law (an example may be within EMU Health Services or other such settings).
- Prevention measures are still recommended for those unvaccinated, and EMU recommends that those who are not vaccinated continue to wear masks in public indoor spaces.
This policy may change before the Fall term based on CDC or VDH recommendations and employee and student vaccination rates.

Guiding Principles for Fully Vaccinated People (CDC)
- Indoor and outdoor activities pose minimal risk to fully vaccinated people.
- Fully vaccinated people have a reduced risk of transmitting SARS-CoV-2 to unvaccinated people.
- Fully vaccinated people should still get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
- Fully vaccinated people should not visit private or public settings if they have tested positive for COVID-19 in the prior 10 days or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
- Fully vaccinated people should continue to follow any applicable federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations.
CDC Interim Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People

VA Executive Action 79

Updated 6/1/21
How is social distancing practiced?
We follow CDC guidelines for those who are fully vaccinated. If all people in the space are fully vaccinated, then social distancing is not necessary.

However, social distancing (and masking) is still recommended if those sharing or entering the space
- are not vaccinated,
- have compromised immunity, or
- the vaccination status of other people sharing or entering the space is unknown.
You may work with your supervisor on office procedures, including meeting options, work schedules, and remote work.

Updated 5/13/21

Admissions

Does EMU have a deposit deadline? Is it extended due to the COVID-19 outbreak?

EMU has a rolling admissions process and does not have a deadline for students to make a college decision.

Updated 5/3/21

Is EMU’s campus open for a tour before I make a decision?

There are many ways to visit EMU that are designed to account for a wide variety of scenarios and meet prospective students/families where they are at. For more details, please see www.emu.edu/visit. In addition to an in-person visit, we invite you to explore alternative visit opportunities:

Live Virtual Open House - interact online and hear from faculty, staff, and current students.

At-a-Glance Visit - join us online or on-campus for a campus tour and information session.

Virtual Daily Visit - schedule a meeting with your admissions counselor, financial assistance representative, professor, or coach.

Virtual Tour

Updated 5/3/21

The SAT/ACT I signed up for was canceled and I do not have a previous score. Will EMU accept my application?

Yes, EMU waived its test score requirement for fall 2020 admission and is making this a permanent change for subsequent enrollment semesters (including spring 2021 and fall 2021). EMU will continue to thoroughly review a student’s application, transcript(s), and any additional supporting application materials to make an admission decision. If more information is needed, your admissions counselor will reach out to you and let you know about the additional steps. Students may still submit SAT/ACT scores for consideration in the application review process through the test source or by emailing a PDF copy of your score report to admiss@emu.edu or your admissions counselor.

Updated 5/3/21

I am having issues getting my transcript sent. Can I submit an unofficial transcript to EMU for my application?

Yes, you may submit an unofficial transcript for initial admission review to admiss@emu.edu or your admissions counselor. Students are required to submit official transcripts prior to starting classes as an EMU student.

Reviewed 5/3/21

Will pass/no pass courses satisfy any requirement EMU has for admissions?

Yes, courses that are pass/no pass will be accepted by the school for admission review. Confirmation of graduation is required prior to starting classes as an EMU student.

Reviewed 5/3/21

Will my pass/fail courses from community college/dual enrollment classes be accepted?

Yes, they will be accepted as long as the “pass” equals a C or higher. If you have any questions, please contact your admissions counselor for more information.

Reviewed 5/3/21

I have been admitted to EMU and received a financial aid notification. However my financial situation has changed because of COVID-19, is there any additional help?

Please contact your admissions counselor or the financial assistance office to talk about options available to your specific situation.

Reviewed 5/3/21

How is class registration and summer orientation taking place?

Orientation and class registration are available both virtually and on campus. Please find more information and select a registration option at www.emu.edu/soar.

Updated 5/3/21

Are there any additional resources for parents of incoming students?

We know the college selection process is often a family decision. We invite you to visit the EMU Parents page here and the recent Parent/Family Forum recording here.

Updated 5/3/21

I am planning to be a varsity athlete at EMU. How has COVID-19 impacted athletics?

Please see the athletics FAQ section.

I am considering taking a gap semester or gap year. What is EMU’s policy for deferring admission?

Students have the option to defer their admission to the following spring or fall semester. Please contact your admissions counselor or the financial assistance office to discuss any possible implications for making an informed decision. In some instances, certain grants or scholarships might be specific to a fall 2020 start date.

Reviewed 5/3/21

Employees

What about vaccinations for employees?

We strongly recommend that faculty and staff get vaccinated. The closer we get to “herd immunity,” the closer we get to a return to college life as we have come to expect it and value it at EMU.

EMU’s vaccination rates within students and employees will provide us with important information for decisions related to our operations and protocols for fall 2021. For this reason, we ask that you email us a copy of your vaccination card to covidhotline@emu.edu. A benefit to providing this information is that you will no longer need to fill out the symptom tracker.

The Virginia Department of Health has opened a new website to preregister for vaccination.

To locate vaccine availability where you live, follow this link to a CDC webpage that searches by zipcode.

If you are on the EMU Health Plan, a COVID vaccination is a covered expense. More info is here.

For information about students and vaccinations, see the "Health and Safety" section or the "Fall Semester Updates" section.
How will I monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 or report that I have exposed?
EMU Health Services will close for the summer on May 7.

Testing is available locally at Walgreens (599 Mt. Clinton Pike), Medicap (1851 Virginia Aveand 2091 Pro Pointe Lane), CVS (various locations), Valley Urgent Care (119B University Ave.) and MedExpress Urgen Care (1840 E. Market St). A phone call ahead of time is suggested.

Please contact your health services provider for all medical care matters.

If you become ill or are exposed to someone who is ill over the summer, call your family physician and your immediate supervisor. Remember that if you are symptomatic or have been exposed, do not come to work until you have received a negative test result.

Employees who test positive for COVID-19 will not be permitted to return to working on-site until they have met the following criteria:
- At least 14 days off-site plus three days (72 hours) since recovery, defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath).
Updated 5/10/21
What is EMU’s current policy regarding masking?
Based upon the recommendations for fully vaccinated people made by the CDC on May 13, and Executive Order 79 from Governor Northam, EMU is moving forward to accept the following masking policy on campus starting Tuesday, June 1 for summer 2021:
- Fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting, indoor or outdoor, on the EMU campus except where required by the department or law (an example may be within EMU Health Services or other such settings).
- Prevention measures are still recommended for those unvaccinated, and EMU recommends that those who are not vaccinated continue to wear masks in public indoor spaces.
This policy may change before the Fall term based on CDC or VDH recommendations and employee and student vaccination rates.

Guiding Principles for Fully Vaccinated People (CDC)
- Indoor and outdoor activities pose minimal risk to fully vaccinated people.
- Fully vaccinated people have a reduced risk of transmitting SARS-CoV-2 to unvaccinated people.
- Fully vaccinated people should still get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
- Fully vaccinated people should not visit private or public settings if they have tested positive for COVID-19 in the prior 10 days or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
- Fully vaccinated people should continue to follow any applicable federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations.
CDC Interim Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People

VA Executive Action 79

Updated 6/1/21
What is EMU’s current policy of social distancing?
The following policy will be updated shortly to reflect the CDC guidelines issued on 5/13.

We follow CDC guidelines for those who are fully vaccinated. If all people in the space are fully vaccinated, then social distancing is not necessary.

However, social distancing (and masking) is still recommended if those sharing or entering the space
- are not vaccinated,
- have compromised immunity, or
- the vaccination status of other people sharing or entering the space is unknown.
You may work with your supervisor on office procedures, including meeting options, work schedules, and remote work.

Updated 5/13/21
What are the guidelines for events and social gatherings?

The updated events policy, housed on the Auxiliary Services webpage, clarifies current restrictions on events. We continue to limit indoor events to only EMU students and employees, with room occupancy maximums enforced and no food/refreshments. Outdoor events may include guests and catered food through Pioneer College Catering, but require appropriate staffing, distanced seating and provision of outdoor restrooms. All events beyond informal gatherings must be sponsored by an EMU employee. Your event may require a proposal to be submitted by an EMU sponsor for approval by the Crisis Management Preparedness Team. That proposal asks for consideration of the factors involved in hosting a safe event at this time.

Updated 3/25/2021
What cleaning/disinfection measures are in place?
- Cleaning supplies are furnished in office areas. Employees will wipe down high touch areas and equipment, such as workstations, equipment, screens, doorknobs, etc., throughout the day.
- Employees will avoid using any shared office supplies or supplies belonging to others.
- Custodial staff will conduct cleanings and disinfection of facilities during the summer based on use.
- Cleaning logs will be maintained by Facilities indicating the date, time, and scope of cleaning.
- In heavy traffic areas, high-touch surfaces will be disinfected frequently.
- EMU will ensure access to handwashing facilities on site, including soap and running water, and encourages frequent hand washing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol can be used as an alternative and are available at main entrances.
- If an employee who is diagnosed with COVID-19 has been on campus, the area will be disinfected thoroughly by the custodial team and facilities management.
For additional information, see the “Health and Safety” section.

Updated 8/17/20
What do I need to know about travel?

EMU-sponsored travel is approved for fully vaccinated employees and should be planned in consultation with the employee's supervisor.

Updated 5/10/21
What steps are supervisors taking to address workplace harassment related to COVID-19?

EMU will not tolerate the harassment of employees for any stigma surrounding COVID-19. Harassment against any employee or student who is diagnosed with COVID-19, lives with someone who is diagnosed, or is exposed, should be stopped immediately. Supervisors should establish this expectation with their employees as soon as they return to campus. Address harassment quickly and directly. Seek advice from your supervisor and Human Resources as needed.

Updated 8/16/20
How is EMU monitoring the status of COVID on campus?

Monitoring of the health of our community is required by the VDH. Health Services, HR and Student Life are active partners in the monitoring. With vaccine availability, these groups are also partners in supporting vaccine education, access and community vaccination data.

During academic semesters, EMU maintains a COVID dashboard.

EMU employees who become ill with COVID-19 over the summer should contact their immediate supervisor, as well as their primary care physician. VDH contact tracers will be in touch with those who have been exposed.

Updated 5/10/21
What should I do if I am at high-risk for COVID, have underlying health factors, and/or don't feel safe returning to campus?

Please fill out this form: Summer 2021 Request for Remote Work

Updated 5/12/21
Who should employees contact if they have questions not addressed in the FAQs?

Contact HR (hr@emu.edu) if you have additional questions or specific questions related to your work.

Updated 5/11/21

EMU at Lancaster

Covid case monitoring on the Lancaster site is located at emu.edu/lancaster/covid-faq#monitoring

As we evaluate new and existing guidance and mandates on a local, state, and national level, we will continue to require our staff and students to wear facemasks at this time.